Lagos State Traffic Management Authority
Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) early today prevented another diesel tanker explosion at Obadeyi before Ijaye along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.
A statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq stated that the tanker with registration number JJJ 596 XX, fully loaded with diesel products, fell in the early hours of Thursday and had its contents spilled on the expressway.
The Director explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the tanker was coming from Abule-Egba and was heading towards Ijaye before the driver lost control due to a brake failure at Obadeyi. He added that Traffic Officer Ajalekoko Bolade (Bravo 19, Abule-Egba), who led LASTMA rescue operations at the scene, confirmed that the driver of the tanker fled immediately after the incident occurred.
Taofiq said, that to avoid an explosion, the LASTMA officers condoned off the entire vicinity to prevent residents from scooping the diesel, while Policemen from Meiran Police Division who had been contacted provided security backup at the scene.
While informing that the LASTMA personnel contacted the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services including the LASEMA Response Unit (LRU) to contain the situation, the Director advised motorists to always comply with the directives of traffic officers to minimise inconvenience for road users.
